Walter Jerrold’s The Big Book of Fairy Tales is a magnificent treasury that gathers some of the most beloved stories from around the world into a single, richly illustrated volume. First published in the early twentieth century, this collection brings together classic tales from the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, and Charles Perrault, alongside stories from the Arabian Nights and traditional English folklore. Readers can rediscover the timeless adventures of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, The Ugly Duckling, Little Red Riding Hood, and many other cherished characters whose stories have enchanted generations of children.
What makes this volume truly exceptional is the extraordinary contribution of Charles Robinson, a pioneering artist of the Golden Age of Illustration. His work transforms the book into a visual feast, with nearly two hundred illustrations scattered throughout its pages. Robinson’s delicate line work and ethereal watercolours capture the magic and wonder of each tale, creating images that linger in the imagination long after the stories end. The book features thirty-four full-page illustrations, including twelve in full colour, sixteen in black and red, and six in black and white, each one a masterpiece of early twentieth-century book art.
More than a simple story collection, Jerrold’s anthology serves as a gateway to the rich heritage of world folklore. The tales range from the archetypal French fairy tales of Perrault to the dark forests of Grimm, from Andersen’s poignant literary fairy tales to the exotic adventures of Sinbad the Sailor. For anyone seeking to share the magic of traditional storytelling with a new generation, this beautifully crafted volume remains an enduring treasure.
